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Coriolus Versicolor: Can We Give It To Our Humans?
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Updated On October 14, 2023
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This mushroom has researchers excited … in fact, there are several reasons to add Coriolus versicolor to your daily diet.
Coriolus Versicolor Mushroom
Coriolus versicolor is a mushroom that grows on logs all around the world. There are over 200 species of Coriolus versicolor, but there is a particular strain that is of interest to scientists and herbalists. It has been used in Eastern holistic circles for centuries to clear dampness, increase energy, and support the immune system.
Today, researchers are interested in Coriolus versicolor’s immune supporting benefits. Let’s take a look …
Coriolus Versicolor Mushrooms
Benefits Of Beta-Glucans
Coriolus versicolor mushrooms have two main components: Polysaccharide-K (PSK) and polysaccharide-P (PSP). They form part of the mushroom’s cell wall and they give the cell its structure.
Both PSK and PSP are called beta-D-glucans. These beta-glucans can bind directly to receptors in immune cells … and trigger immune support.
This is what makes Coriolus versicolor so powerful … it can directly help to support the immune functions.
Beta-D-glucans can bind to and activate macrophages, which are the immune response cells. Beta-glucans can also support other immune cells, including NK cells and T-leukocytes, which are an important part of the adaptive immune system.
Overall, beta-glucans have been shown to:
- Support immune cells
- Support antibody production
- Help to support the body's ability to reduce cytokines
- Help to support the body's own immune response to deal with even the most concerning issues
Coriolus Versicolor- More On The Subject
The trouble with conventional research is that it’s hard to find randomized controlled studies on supplements like Coriolus versicolor mushrooms. In most cases, patients undergo traditional treatments at the same time. So it’s difficult to accurately analyze how effective a natural treatment is. But in the case of Coriolus versicolor, there’s a very solid randomized controlled study … and it was done on dogs.
A 2012 study published in Evidence-Based Complementary Medicine looked at the effectiveness of Coriolus versicolor mushrooms in supporting the immune effectiveness in dogs. The results were powerful.
In fact, PSP has been approved as an immune supporting supplement in Japan and China. And PSK is the main component of an immune supporting supplement approved in Japan called Krestin.
Coriolus versicolor mushrooms also carry another important compound called ergosterol. This is found in all mushrooms and it acts like cholesterol in humans. But ergosterol also carries important antioxidant properties. A 2012 study in Hong Kong found Coriolus versicolor was linked to better immune response in several different circumstances. Since the FDA approved human trials for Coriolus versicolor as an immune supporting agent in 2012, studies into its benefits have shown a lot of promise.
Coriolus Versicolor And Traditional Methods
A study compared the beta-glucans from Coriolus versicolor to a traditional treatment method. They found that the activities of the Coriolus versicolor were close but not quite as good as the traditional method. But the Coriolus versicolor when used to support immune function was found to be much safer and didn't carry the same side effects as traditional methods.
Speaking of side effects, traditional methods can destroy immune function and immune cells such as leukocytes. But the beta-glucans in Coriolus versicolor help to support the function of immune cells. So Coriolus versicolor mushrooms can also be an important addition for people undergoing traditional methods.
Coriolus Versicolor Mushrooms
Other Coriolus Versicolor Benefits
Immune Benefits
It is widely accepted that the immune system is the body’s first defense against everything that comes against it…from the smallest of concerns to the most concerning. The immune system and IgE antibodies should be well equipped to deal with bacteria, viruses, infections, and parasites. Providing strong immune support is a logical approach and just makes good sense.
Digestive And Urinary Support
Coriolus versicolor mushrooms can also support the immune cells that deal with inflammation. Coriolus versicolor in particular, works especially hard to support the digestive, urinary and respiratory tract.
While we’re talking about digestive health, Coriolus versicolor is also a much needed prebiotic. Prebiotics help with the growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract. These beneficial bacteria reduce digestive inflammation, produce important vitamins and fatty acids, and form another important part of the immune system.
Coriolus versicolor mushrooms may also help support the liver.
Phytonutrients
Finally, Coriolus versicolor mushrooms also contain powerful phytochemicals including the antioxidant phenolic compounds gallic acid, protocatechuic acid and catechin.
Plant-Based Beta-Glucans
Beta-glucans aren’t just found in mushrooms. They’re also found in the cell walls of cereals and grains … but the structure of plant-based beta-glucans is different and less complex than those found in mushrooms.
The complex triple helix structure of the mushroom beta-glucans is what gives Coriolus versicolor and other mushrooms their immune supporting properties, while cereals have very little of it.
Giving Your Human Coriolus Versicolor Mushrooms
You should ideally take mushroom capsules or tablets before meals … Coriolus versicolor mushrooms are a multi-faceted food that can be a great addition to your daily supplements!
Coriolus Versicolor Mushrooms
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